Barra
At the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides, Barra (Barraigh), Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh) and the small uninhabited islands to the south offer a great sailing destination in the Outer Hebrides as they are known for their stunning white beaches and warm friendly welcome.
Flying and Ferries
The airport on Barra beach has been voted the world’s most stunning landing spot. It is the only place in the world to have scheduled flights landing on a beach and takeoffs and touchdowns timed to coincide with low tide.
Calmac ferries travel from Castlebay to Oban, Lochboisdale and Tiree, while the Ardmhor to Eriskay ferry is at the north of the island.
Barra Anchorages and Facilities
There are visitor moorings and anchorages in Castlebay at the marina and the settlement also offers a good range of facilities ashore for what is a small village. Boat trips from Barra to Mingulay are available as well as kayak hire to explore the coastline and bike hire to explore inland.
Close by Vatersay Bay is a stunning curved white sand beach with wild anchorage potential whereas the exposed west coast of Barra & Vatersay has no anchorages.
Barra Head
The Barra Head lighthouse on the cliffs of Berneray is 693ft above sea level, making it one of the highest in the UK. Built by Robert Stevenson (grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson) it was manned for 150 years and is owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board.
Hebridean Heritage and Community
The long heritage of the MacNeil’s of Barra is explained in the Dualchas Heritage Centre in Castlebay. The ownership of the Barra Estate has now been passed to the Scottish Government and can be transferred to the island’s inhabitants in the future at their request.
The local community development company is currently installing a wind turbine on the most north westerly point of the Isle of Barra and it is thought it will be one of the most productive in Western Europe.
Major events in the local calendar include the Fishermans Mass, the Barra and Vatersay Potato Competition and Feis Bharraigh. Barra is particularly noted for its wildflowers & butterflies.
